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The collection and sale of non-timber forest products is mainly the activity of poor populations and small traders, and are highly important in the livelihoods of forest dwellers in Africa. This volume highlights the importance of these forest products in the well being of millions of Africans and is also the basis of a plea to African governments to work together towards securing the access and property rights of populations. It also indicates the need to improve the performance of markets with a view to intensifying and diversifying viable local economies that have strong bases in national and regional networks. Following an introductory chapter on the commercialization of non-timber forest products in Africa, this volume is divided into several sections on medicinal, hygiene and cosmetic plants (4 chapters), fruits and oils (3 chapters), wood carving and wood products (5 chapters), fibres and weaving materials (4 chapters …